What are the best GIS courses on Coursera?

Top courses include Fundamentals of GIS from the University of California, Davis , and GIS, Mapping, and Spatial Analysis from the University of Toronto . These programs cover the basics of GIS, spatial data analysis, and real-world applications in fields like urban planning and environmental management.

Can I learn GIS for free on Coursera?

Yes. Many GIS courses offer a free audit option, which allows learners to access video lessons and reading materials at no cost. To complete assignments or earn a certificate, you’ll need to upgrade or apply for financial aid.

What will I learn in a GIS course?

You’ll learn how to collect and analyze spatial data, create maps using GIS software like ArcGIS or QGIS, and apply GIS skills to solve real-world problems. Topics may include cartography , spatial databases, and remote sensing.

Do I need a technical background to start learning GIS?

Not necessarily. Many beginner-level GIS courses on Coursera assume no prior experience and walk you through foundational concepts. If you’re already familiar with data analysis or mapping, more advanced courses can help you deepen your skills.

Can Coursera’s GIS courses help me in my career?

Yes. GIS skills are in demand across industries like urban planning , environmental science , logistics , and public health . Coursera’s GIS courses can help you build job-ready skills, create a professional portfolio, and earn certificates that show your expertise.

Top Gis Courses - Learn Gis Online

Find the Best GIS Course for Your Goals

Status: Free Trial
KodeKloud
Git Basics for DevOps
Skills you'll gain: Version Control, Git (Version Control System), GitHub, Collaborative Software, DevOps, Software Development Tools, Linux, Open Source Technology
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
19 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
The Linux Foundation
Using Git for Distributed Development
Skills you'll gain: Git (Version Control System), Version Control, Open Source Technology, Software Development Tools, Software Versioning, Code Review, Linux
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
586 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
LearnKartS
Git Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Git (Version Control System), GitHub, Version Control, Software Configuration Management, Software Versioning, Software Development, File Management, Development Environment, Command-Line Interface, Authentications
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
10 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Coursera Project Network
Manage Your Versions with Git (Part I)
Skills you'll gain: Git (Version Control System), Version Control, Software Versioning, Software Development Tools, Software Configuration Management
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
102 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Kennesaw State University
AI for Education (Basic)
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Generative AI Agents, Generative AI, Data Ethics, Education Software and Technology, ChatGPT, Artificial Intelligence, End User Training and Support, Natural Language Processing
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
11 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Graphic Design
Skills you'll gain: Graphic Design, Graphic and Visual Design, Graphic and Visual Design Software, Design, Visual Design, Typography, Adobe InDesign, Design Reviews, Adobe Photoshop, Design Elements And Principles, Peer Review, Color Theory, Editing, Creativity
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
3.3K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Case Western Reserve University
Basic Principles of Geostatistical Geospatial Modeling
Skills you'll gain: Geostatistics, Exploratory Data Analysis, Spatial Data Analysis, Spatial Analysis, Geospatial Mapping, Geospatial Information and Technology, Statistical Methods, Statistical Modeling, R Programming, Statistical Analysis, Probability & Statistics, Descriptive Statistics, Data Analysis, Regression Analysis, Correlation Analysis, Data Validation, Histogram, Box Plots, Simulation and Simulation Software
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Exploring and Producing Data for Business Decision Making
Skills you'll gain: Descriptive Statistics, Sampling (Statistics), Probability Distribution, Business Analytics, Statistics, Microsoft Excel, Analytics, Statistical Inference, Data Analysis, Exploratory Data Analysis, Probability & Statistics, Statistical Analysis, Histogram, Data Collection, Data Presentation, Graphing
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Rice University
Introduction to Archaeology : Archaeology as Science
Skills you'll gain: Scientific Methods, Anthropology, Social Sciences, Environmental Science, Research, Laboratory Research, Ancient History, General Science and Research, Investigation, Culture, Geographic Information Systems, Environment, Spatial Analysis, Data Collection, Geospatial Information and Technology
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Lausanne
HEALTHY URBAN SYSTEMS - PART 1
Skills you'll gain: Health Policy, Health Equity, Geographic Information Systems, Public Health, Health Systems, Community Health, Spatial Analysis, Systems Thinking, Environmental Issue, Data Management, Artificial Intelligence
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Northeastern University
Healthcare Information Design and Visualizations
Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Visualization Software, Data Presentation, Interactive Data Visualization, Infographics, Tableau Software, Dashboard, Data Analysis, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Data Ethics, Trend Analysis, Peer Review
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Lausanne
HEALTHY URBAN SYSTEMS - PART 1 : Concepts and observations
Skills you'll gain: Health Policy, Public Health, Health Equity, Health Systems, Geographic Information Systems, Systems Thinking, Community Health, Spatial Analysis, Environmental Issue, Artificial Intelligence, Data Collection
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months